Shared pathway upgrade supports tandem cyclists

Tandem cyclists are safer in the saddle after a NSW Government upgrade to a shared recreational pathway at Lake Illawarra improved access for a local charity that organises rides for people with impaired vision and other disabilities.

Crown Lands upgraded access to the popular pathway off Yallah Bay Road near the Tallawarra Power Station, to ensure safer use for walkers, runners and all types of cyclists.

Carpark bollards were in place to prevent motor vehicles driving onto the path and nearby grassed areas to protect public safety.  However, tandem bicycles had difficulty accessing a narrow gap.

The bollards were replaced with a new design to allow safer bicycle access while still restricting vehicles. The path entry was widened and a dirt section paved to provide a better connection and safer ride between the carpark and shared pathway.

The $15,000 upgrade has assisted Exsight Tandems Illawarra, a volunteer charity that provides tandem cycling for people who cannot ride solo. Exsight arranges a weekly roster of cyclists to ride with people who are blind, have low vision or other disabilities that restrict their riding.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the upgrade is a win-win that has more safely opened the path to tandem and other bicycles while still restricting motor vehicles to ensure safer recreation for pedestrians and cyclists of all abilities.

“This is a great outcome to support the fantastic work Exsight Tandems does to give vision impaired and other cyclists who can’t ride alone access to buddy rides.  We advocated for this upgrade in consultation with Wollongong City Council,” Mr Scully said.

Exsight Tandems Illawarra member Joe Golab said: “This significant improvement will make it easier for our members and also other cyclists to navigate the pathway.”